SENIOR RF SYSTEMS ENGINEER - MISSION FORMULATION (SECRET CLEARANCE)

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Chantilly, VA, the Senior RF Systems Engineer is responsible for leading the formulation and development of advanced RF payload systems for next-generation satellite platforms. Supporting capture of new civil, national security, and commercial business, you will drive technical innovation in communications, radar, and other RF sensing applications with emphasis on resilient space architectures. You will manage payload requirements definition, performance analysis, technical budgets, and systems engineering processes for RF-centric missions.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior RF Engineer I or Senior RF Engineer II level)

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Lead RF payload engineering formulation supporting business development and new opportunity capture across communications, radar, and other sensing missions
• Develop and maintain:
  • RF link budgets and performance analyses (uplink/downlink, radar equation, interference)
  • Payload requirements and verification strategies
  • Simulations and analysis for RF system performance (antenna patterns, coverage, data rates, detection ranges)
  • Payload integration and test methods
• Drive technical development of advanced payload concepts including but not limited to:
  • Radar systems (MTI, SAR, change detection)
  • 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), broadband, and tactical communications systems
  • Passive RF sensing and signals intelligence
  • Resilient and disaggregated payload architectures
• Lead payload-to-bus interface definition and coordination with spacecraft subsystems (power, thermal, ADCS, C&DH)
• Develop, in collaboration with payload suppliers and team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and technical design documents
• Assist with program and product management for payload-focused programs

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR RF ENGINEER I:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systems
• Experience supporting satellite payload development, space-based radar, or satellite communications systems
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR RF ENGINEER II:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline
• 8+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systems
• Experience supporting satellite payload development, space-based radar, or satellite communications systems
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master's or PhD in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related discipline with focus on RF/microwave systems, electromagnetics, or radar
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Deep understanding of RF payload subsystems including:
  • Phased array and reflector antenna design
  • RF front-end architectures (LNAs, filters, diplexers, amplifiers)
  • Transmit/receive modules and beamforming
  • Digital signal processing for radar and communications
  • Frequency planning and spectrum management
• Experience with radar processing techniques (SAR, MTI, STAP) and performance modeling
• Knowledge of 5G NTN standards, waveforms, and regulatory environment
• Knowledge of tactical communication systems and other protected communication standards, waveforms, and regulatory environment
• Understanding of passive RF collection and geolocation techniques
• Familiarity with radiation effects on RF electronics and mitigation strategies
• Experience with electronic protection and resilient RF architectures including:
  • anti-jam/anti-spoof techniques
  • frequency/beam agility
  • software-defined systems for mission flexibility
  • and payload hardening for contested/degraded environments
• Proficiency with RF analysis tools (STK, MATLAB, Python, HFSS, CST)
• Understanding of spacecraft bus subsystems and their impact on payload performance (power, thermal, pointing, EMI/EMC)
• Experience with payload integration, test, and calibration
• Knowledge of orbital mechanics and mission design for RF missions
• Highly effective technical communication skills with customers, payload suppliers, and internal teams

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia's pay transparency requirements. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (VA Only)

$120,000-$210,000 USD